Maintenon

Maintenon is a commune in the Eure-et-Loir department in the Centre-Val de Loire region of north-central France. It lies on the Eure River, just northeast of Chartres, and is part of the Chartres metropolitan area. The town has a historic center with 17th-century architecture and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Historically, Maintenon developed around a fortress and a hilltop château. The Château de Maintenon, which dominates the town, became associated with Françoise d’Aubigné, who is better known as Madame de Maintenon, after her connections with the royal court of Louis XIV. The château and its gardens are a central landmark in the community and reflect classical French design.

The town preserves several historic and religious buildings, including a medieval church and other heritage structures that attest to its long settlement along the Eure valley. In the modern era, Maintenon functions as a residential community with local services, schools, and small businesses, while maintaining a quiet rural character near Chartres.

Population and economy are characteristic of a small inland French town. The local economy relies on a mix of agriculture, small commerce, and residents who commute to Chartres and surrounding towns for work. Maintenon is connected to regional transport networks and lies within reach of major routes linking the area to Paris and the Loire Valley, making it a tranquil base within a broader urban region.